What kind of talent do you work with?
We work with models and actors of all varieties, male and female, all ethnicities, from ages 5 on up. (We do not work with children under the age of 5).
Are you an acting or modeling school?
No. We do not offer or require classes of any kind, we do not charge for courses and we have no tuition.
Do you charge a fee to represent me?
We do not charge either annual fee or a sign-up fee to work with us. We receive our compensation only if you find work. Our interests are the same as yours; we get paid only when you do.
Do I need professional pictures?
For your initial application to Helen Wells Agency we prefer simple photos of you, as you are now. We actually prefer non-professional shots for the submission process. Once signed with us, all our talent must maintain current, professional photos. But to apply with us, a couple simple pictures in front of a clean white wall will do. (No selfies: have someone else take the picture.) This is explained in detail in the application.
Once signed, new talent are required to utilize professional, skilled photographers who understand this business. If you have not worked in this business before we will help you select professionals who have proven their work with us and know exactly what we are after in a first portfolio. They will help you look your best for presenting you to our customers. Using the right photographer for your initial portfolio assures that your images are top quality and consistent with what the market is looking for.
If you have worked in this business before you may use a photographer of your choosing. But for new talent we highly stress that our preferred photographers give you more certainty of getting images that conform to what HWA needs to book you.
If signed, how do I keep you updated with my work?
Our system gives you the key role in presenting your online profile and keeping your information up-to-date. Your personal gallery on our website features images of you, but can also include a resume of your work, samplings of your on-camera work or demos (if applicable), etc. We expect you to provide us with new materials that we review for inclusion on your individual gallery page. You also need to keep your contact information (address, phone, email, account information, etc.) up-to-date at all times.
How do I sign up to be represented by you?
The submission page (“Be Discovered”) on our website is the main source for us to find new talent. Our staff is also scouting for talent and sometimes invites individuals with potential to submit photos and apply. But everyone starts at Be Discovered.
What kinds of actors and models are you looking for?
We are looking for all kinds of people to work in print ads, videos, movies, commercials, etc. In very general terms, we are looking for:
- Men, women, teens and pre-adolescents who are photogenic
- Actors who are comfortable working in a variety of situations in a fast-paced environment
- A professional attitude with talent who “get” that they are booked to provide a service to a customer with a specific need to get a job done.
- Lifestyle models: all shapes and sizes
- Fashion models, Female: 5’8" - 5'11"
- Fashion models, Male: 6'0" - 6'3"
- Children ages 5-12 who fit standard size clothing
How do you select talent for bookings?
Our customers are producers and advertisers who rely on us to provide skilled talent. They sometimes come to us having already selected talent via our website, but we generally review our talent portfolio to suggest actors or models who fit the their needs. This means you are auditioning all the time whether you know it or not. Based on the client's initial selections, a group of our actors or models might be invited to submit a brief audition for a specific booking. In all cases, it is the client who selects the talent.